By Filipe Figueiredo*(Analysis) Niger, the latest Sahel nation to experience a military coup, is currently witnessing an intensifying power struggle between France and Russia.The revolt was executed by the countrys presidential guard, leading to the arrest of President Mohamed Bazoum.This power shift comes as a result of Bazoums plan to dismiss General Omar Tchiani, commander of the presidential guard.Tchiani has held his post since 2015 and played a critical role in ensuring Bazoums succession, who followed President Mahamadou Issoufou in 2021.Niger has been independent since 1960, and this represented the first democratic transition in its history.General Omar Tchiani.
(Photo Internet reproduction)Before this, the nation had undergone four successful military overthrows and several attempted ones.The recent rebellion was justified due to a perceived decline in security and poor governance.In the aftermath of the coup, Nigers national constitution was dissolved, state institutions and political parties suspended, borders closed, a curfew enforced, and a warning issued against any foreign intervention.This revolt in Niger is the fourth military rebellion within the Sahel region in the last three years, following Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan.The Sahel region is known as a transition zone between the Sahara to the north and the jungle and savanna regions to the south.Recently, the Sahel has emerged as a hub of jihadist activities, with several extremist groups operating in the area and ongoing internal conflicts.Niger is rich in mineral wealth, including uranium, which fuels French nuclear power plants.The nation provides around 5% of the global uranium supply and about 30% of the uranium used by France.This strong connection to France is not surprising, as four of the five countries mentioned with recent revolts were former French colonies.The recent military coup in Niger highlights two regional trends.First, a growing group of military officers champion developmental economic policies and politics against Frances imperialist mechanisms.The same week as the Niger rebellion, Malis military junta even abolished French as the countrys official language, reflecting the regions shifting attitudes towards France.On the other hand, Niger grapples with various local issues, including a high cost of living, widespread poverty, governmental corruption, and the perceived exploitation of the countrys wealth.These problems and the internal conflict against jihadists have led to heightened militarization and an increased anti-France sentiment.The second regional trend is the increasing closeness with Russia.
This trend is apparent in pro-Russia demonstrations in Niamey, Nigers capital.Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group, has claimed that Niger is gaining independence and offers Wagners services.Russian control over Nigers uranium mines could be a severe blow to France.Sahel militaries generally show interest in partnerships with Russia, as these partnerships offer military cooperation without the pressure for liberal legal reforms or human rights issues that come with Western alliances.Russia is often seen as a partner without the historical burden associated with former colonial powers.The military coup in Niger results from local and regional dynamics and a power struggle between France and Russia for influence in Africa.Given the ongoing political and conflict situations in neighboring countries, such as Chad, it wouldnt be surprising if they follow suit.The French response to these developments remains to be seen.* Filipe Figueiredo is a history graduate from the University of So Paulo (USP) and a professor of international politicsThis is a short version of his latest article in Gazeta do Povo